Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia!, here we go again... Seemingly sold out in minutes, last season’s Mamma Mia! engagement had audiences raving and dancing in the aisles. With local fans already asking for an encore, you have another chance to see this ultimate feel-good Broadway blockbuster, loved by more than 54 million fans around the world. The storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship – where every night, everyone’s “having the time of their lives!” High-volume performance

AN IRRESISTIBLY ENJOYABLE HIT! A witty and ingenious script weaves the famous ABBA songs around characters you care about. At the end, the whole audience is on its feet and swaying blissfully along to the hits. What a pleasure to ‘see that girl, watch that scene and dig the Dancing Queen.’ SHEER HEAVEN!

Mark Morris Dance Group

Mark Morris Dance Group is acclaimed worldwide for its craftsmanship, ingenuity, humor and, at times, eclectic musical accompaniments. Led for 35 years by artistic director Mark Morris – hailed as “the most prodigiously gifted choreographer of the post-Balanchine era” (Time Magazine) – MMDG remains beloved by dance and music aficionados, as well as mainstream audiences, and is noted for always performing with live music. This repertory performance will be one of the seminal dance events in the 20-year history of the Cohan Center.

The pre-eminent modern dance organization of our time.

— Yo-Yo Ma

...the most transportingly natural performers in the world. They feel like your friends or, indeed, like aspects of yourself. As you watch them, a part of you dances, too.

Paul Woodring - Forbes Pipe Organ Recital

Paul Woodring’s fifth Forbes Pipe Organ recital will feature a selection of great masterworks by J. S. Bach and Maurice Duruflé, as well as a “United Nations” celebration of music from Portugal, France, Italy, Germany and England. Throw in a Sousa march and a Russian toccata and you have an afternoon of entertaining music on the pipe organ.

The Forbes Pipe Organ is like an engraved invitation to creativity. With its gorgeous foundational tones, brilliant reeds and delicate flutes, an organist can craft a beautifully balanced recital.

Christ Perondi's The Stunt Dog Experience

As seen on TV! This cast of performers and pups will delight audiences of all ages with high-energy excitement from beginning to end. During The Stunt Dog Experience, you will witness some of the most incredible stunts and behaviors ever performed by dogs. Every show includes interactive crowd partic- ipation. It’s not just an event – it’s an experience! With amazing tricks, big air stunts, full-on comedy antics, dancing dogs and athletic feats, it is the most entertaining show of its canine kind and just a lot of dog-gone fun! Ages 5+

Our mission is to promote responsible pet ownership...I adopt all the dogs from shelters and have been promoting this message, along with the importance of spay and neutering, since 1999.

Menopause the Musical: The Survivor Tour

Girls Night Out! Four women meet at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra and issues with memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious jukebox musical parody, set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles. And now, the show that’s brought joy to millions worldwide is proving that laughter truly is the best medicine. The show and its cast – breast cancer survivors, all! – are partnering with Susan G. Komen to offer inspiration, sisterhood and hope in the ongoing effort to save lives and end breast cancer forever, with a donation of $2 for every MTM ticket sold. Adult content; Ages 17+

Campbell Brothers - John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme"

Fifty years ago, the legendary John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme was presented as the musician’s spiritual declaration. On the 50th anniversary of Coltrane’s album, the Campbell Brothers were commissioned by Lincoln Center Out of Doors and Duke Performances to revisit A Love Supreme with their signature sacred steel gospel style and church choir infusion. In addition to this homage, the Brothers will also perform beautiful selections from their traditional sacred steel repertoire.

Frank Warren - PostSecret

This multimedia event is based on Warren’s PostSecret Project — a postcard collection of highly personal secrets mailed to him anonymously from around the world, filled with confessions ranging from deep family secrets to funny reflections. In the wake of the concept’s popularity, the Project has raised millions of dollars for suicide pre- vention. The audience will also get to view postcards that were banned from Warren’s six best-selling books and have the opportunity to share their own secrets during the live interactive program. Adult content; ages 17+

It was a complex night emotionally, alternating peals of laughter with tears and moments of reflection organized around a powerful central theme: sharing secrets can save lives.

globalFEST on the Road

globalFEST ON THE ROAD is a flexible touring and curating concept based on globalFEST’s annual flagship festival.

“You cannot believe that a human voice…is making the sounds that she’s making. She gives a performance that is as powerful as any intense punk performance I’ve ever seen. It’s 25 minutes of just nonstop sounds from the human body that is erotic at times, tearful at times. She just takes you through these various emotions …” – Bob Boilen of NPR Music on gF artist Tanya Tagaq’s SXSW performance

This March globalFEST returned to SXSW for the third year in a row. This year’s showcase which took place at Austin venue Speakeasy included the soulful gospel of the Jones Family Singers, Inuit throat singing from Canada’s Polaris Prize-winning Tanya Tagaq, Just A Band’s Kenyan “nerdy” Afro-house and disco, and the psychedelic drums and guitar of Punjab’s Sain Tanveer Brothers.

It's Magic!

It’s Magic! has been delighting magic enthusiasts of all generations for more than five decades. Harkening back to an era of all-star magic shows, this live stage extravaganza features many of the world’s top professional magicians – hailing from exotic international showrooms, as well as from LA’s Magic Castle – with each act carefully selected for an evening that rep- resents the true variety in the art of magic and illusion. Ages 5+; fog/strobe effects

The liveliest lineup of acts this side of Las Vegas... A must for magic buffs of all ages! ...An amazing and amusing package of family entertainment that’s compelling enough to engage the most restless child or leave the most illusion-resistant sophisticate agape.

Kahulanui

There’s a new wave coming from Hawaii, a blend of traditional music and the Big Band Swing brought to the Aloha State by U.S. servicemen during World War II. Sound cool? Come hear Kahulanui, a Grammy-nominated nine-piece band – four horns, plus guitar, bass, ukulele, drums and steel – whose energy and dynamic arrangements have caused a sensation throughout the Islands and across America. Feel the Island breeze!

Pure delight. It was almost impossible to stay in my seat with that ‘jitter- bugging’ beat going on!

TAO - Seventeen Samurai

Explosive Taiko drums combine with athletic bodies, contemporary costumes and innovative choreography filled with extraordinary precision, energy and stamina to deliver modern entertainment based on the timeless, traditional art of Japanese drumming. With hundreds of sold-out performances and playing to more than 6 million people, TAO never fails to energize and inspire its audience. High-volume performance.

Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra

Founded in 1945 on the heels of postwar Polish independence, The Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra is the largest music institution in northern Poland, beloved by local and international patrons alike. Acclaimed conductor Boguslaw Dawidow leads the famed Orchestra in a sweeping program of Wagner’s Overture to The Flying Dutchman, Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 on F minor, Op. 21 with guest piano soloist Marcin Koziak, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade Symphonic Suite, Op. 35.

Tim Minchin

Tim Minchin is lethal wit and wisdom sitting at a piano, using the keys and his voice to blend stand-up comedy with biting, satirical songs. He was seen on Showtime’s “Californication” and is now working on a musical adaptation of the Groundhog Day film, having recently written the score for the Tony Award-winning smash Broadway musical, Matilda. You won’t want to miss this Australian pianist-singer-songwriter- actor-comedian-composer-wannabe rock star when he makes his PAC debut. Topical/Adult content; ages 17+; fog effects

It’s the fine balance of caffeine and alcohol that bookends my days.

Jeannette Walls - "The Glass Castle"

With a message about confronting one’s past and facing one’s fears, the author will discuss her compelling memoir and share life anecdotes. Walls’ story of triumph – chronicled in her book that spent more than six years on The New York Times bestseller list, selling 4.5 million copies – makes audiences resonate with a positive attitude toward the “demons” in their own lives and a belief that anything is possible.

Cameron Carpenter

In a triumphant, unprecedented fourth engagement at the PAC, the virtuoso organist – who continues to blend brilliant technical perfection with an energetic heart – will perform on both the Forbes Pipe Organ and his groundbreaking, newly introduced International Touring Organ. Come experience the organ like you’ve never heard before and plan on leaping to your feet for a fourth “standing O!”

Carpenter is one of the rare musicians who changes the game of his instrument … He is a smasher of cultural and classical music taboos. He is technically the most accomplished organist I have ever witnessed… And, most important of all, the most musical.

Moscow Festival Ballet - Chopiniana and Romeo & Juliet

The dancers of the famed Moscow Festival Ballet speak to the soul through the body. In this double-ballet evening, the company of 50 dancers will perform Tchaikovsky’s original, magnificent Romeo & Juliet – one of classical ballet’s most cherished works – as well as Fokine’s rarely seen work,Chopiniana. An evening of beautiful ballet, danced by one of Russia’s premier companies. Pre-show lecture scheduled.

This was an afternoon that deserved ‘bravos’ within minutes of the opening steps.

Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra

Sharing DNA with Flight of the Conchords and hailing from the home of The Hobbit movies, New Zealand’s ukulele supergroup is in hot demand for its winning combination of charming humor, disarmingly small instruments, and absolutely sublime musicality. The band’s No. 1 rule is: “If you know the words, sing along. If you don’t know the words, sing along!”

An entertaining show that depended equally on musical performances and humorous asides… carried by overlapping vocal parts delivered by a 10-voice chorus, floating high in the sky toward a blanket of moon and stars.

Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat

From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears at Sally’s door, a rainy afternoon is trans- formed by the Cat and his antics. This delightful stage show, produced by Childsplay, proves that with some tricks (and a fish) and Thing Two and Thing One, with the Cat in the Hat, the fun’s never done! Ages 5+

You can boil everything down to fun… simple and clear. The Cat wants to have fun. And so do we! The show feels just as youthful and exhilarating as reading a Dr. Seuss book.

Fiesta indeed! The Mexican-American experience is gloriously celebrated through song, dance, music and film in a brand-new multimedia production. This spectacular showcase features Grammy Award-winners Los Lobos – the hugely popular band that has consistently evolved artistically, while never losing sight of its humble roots – and the highly skilled, colorful dancers of Ballet Folklorico Mexicano, who share a commitment to exploring and honoring Mexican culture and folklore. High-volume performance

Tommy Emmanuel: It's Never Too Late Tour

Australia’s guitar master plays his instrument the way a pianist plays piano – using all 10 fingers. No need for a whole band to get melody, rhythm, bass and drum – Emmanuel plays all that and more…on one guitar! This will be an exciting encore to his sold-out performance two seasons ago.

One of the greatest players on the planet

— Chet Atkins

Tommy’s recordings and his songs are imbued with a vitality and beauty rarely heard in instrumental music today.

Hal Holbrook - Mark Twain Tonight

Hal Holbrook has been inhabiting Mark Twain on stage for more than 60 years. His legendary, spot-on characterization of the great novelist and raconteur is outstanding – a brilliant study in detail and storytelling, with commentary that could be present-day. The Washington Post declared, “The combination of Holbrook’s physical and vocal talents and the potency of Twain’s words are simply mesmerizing.”

Holbrook is a master at engaging an audience. Laughter was loud and plentiful, but the highlight of the evening was when Holbrook, as Twain, gave us ‘Huckleberry Finn.’ Holbrook captured and translated a richness of those characters that gave me chills.

The Ten Tenors - Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays is a magical experience that will dazzle, delight and captivate the whole family. Join Australia’s Rock Stars of the Opera as they amaze and enthrall audiences with their unique selection of traditional and contemporary seasonal favorites. With soaring versions of “Joy to the World,” “Sleigh Ride,” “White Christmas,” “Amazing Grace,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Feliz Navidad” and many more, this is the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the season.

“Off-the-charts vocals, irresistible charisma, and uncontainable high energy… I have seen a myriad of other tenor triplets over the years, but in this case, size really does matter and TEN truly outshine all who have come before.”

42nd Street - the Musical

The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, 42nd Street is the age-old tale of a starry-eyed chorus girl who becomes a star – a song and dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story that includes some of the greatest songs ever written, such as “We’re In The Money,” “Lullaby Of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and, of course, “42nd Street.”

“42nd Street is one of the great and timeless anthems of the indispensable art form known as American musical theater. An emotional, romantic show.” – Chicago Tribune

Riverdance - 20th Anniversary Tour

The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand in Riverdance — The 20th Anniversary World Tour. Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song.

Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland — in rock, music, theatre and film — nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. Riverdance — The 20th Anniversary World Tour is composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty, and directed by John McColgan, and comes directly to North America from a sold-out run across Europe and Asia.

High-volume performance; fog/strobe effects

“The show is quite simply incredible. A phenomenon of historic proportions.” – The Washington Times

“As for the flaws? Well, there simply aren’t any. Here’s to another 20 years!” – The Edinburgh Evening News

Sponsored by Joan Gellert-Sargen, The Peter and Mary Russo Family Foundation

Melissa Etheridge

“This is M.E. Solo”

Academy Award and Grammy winning artist, Melissa Etheridge, will take the stage to perform songs from her new album, This is M.E., as well as some of her greatest hits like “Come to My Window”, “I’m The Only One” and “I Want To Come Over”. Known for her iconic voice, profound lyrics and riveting stage presence, Melissa will share personal stories about her remarkable journey through life and the inspiration behind some of her most beloved songs.

Melissa Etheridge visits the Central Coast in a solo performance “This is M.E. Solo” at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo, Monday night, November 16, 2015, at 7:30p.m. Advance Reserved tickets are now on sale at the PAC Box Office on the Cal Poly Campus, Call (805) 756-4TIX (756-4849) or order on line below:

Chris Thile

Multiple Grammy Award-winner and MacArthur Fellow Chris Thile – a member of Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek – is a mandolin virtuoso, composer and vocalist. With a broad outlook that encompasses classical, jazz, rock and bluegrass, Thile transcends the borders of conventionally circumscribed genres, creating a distinctly American canon and a new musical aesthetic for performers and audiences alike. Don’t miss this incomparable solo engagement!

Carol Williams - Forbes Pipe Organ Recital

Carol Williams — Forbes Pipe Organ Recital

Carol Williams has performed around the world, collaborating with pop and rock bands as well as numerous prestigious international orchestras. When she was appointed “Civic Organist” for the City of San Diego in 2001, she became the first woman to receive that distinction in an American city. And she was re-appointed in 2011 for another 10 years! The British- born organist is on a mission to bring the pipe organ to new audiences by offering a different spin through programs of intense genre diversity. Her program will include original compositions, jazz and blues-based pieces, as well as some grand classical works.

“Williams is a firecracker performer and persona!” – The American Organist

Lake Street Dive

You hear about people stumbling into a dive bar and discovering an absolutely amazing band with a killer vocalist. Before its recent breakthrough arrival onto the mainstream scene, Lake Street Dive was that band… and they remain hip, fresh and fun, splitting the difference between Motown soul, ‘60s pop and British Invasion swagger. Special guest TBA

Jeff Daniels and The Ben Daniels Band

Jeff Daniels and The Ben Daniels Band

The celebrated movie actor and recent Emmy-winning star of HBO’s “The Newsroom” fronts a rocking, rousing concert with son Ben’s band. He can deftly tell a story, but can he play? “The guy can finger-pick a nimble lead on guitar. He can growl a blues vocal or croon a gentle ballad. He writes songs that are funny, poignant, melodic and catchy.” (Toledo City Paper)

“Recalling John Prine, (Jeff) Daniels is a semi-autobiographical yarn-spinner in the mode of Mr. Guthrie and the much- missed Steve Goodman.” – The New York Times